SAN DIEGO (AP) - San Diego-based South Pacific Tuna Corp. is selling eight of its 14 fishing boats to foreign companies, eliminating more than 200 jobs.
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports Wednesday the company says U.S. regulations make it difficult to earn a profit.
The newspaper says South Pacific Tuna contributes approximately 20 percent of the canned tuna sold in the United States.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says in a statement that it supports the industry and has tried to reduce regulatory barriers for American boats, but has a responsibility to patrol fishing operations.
Experts say U.S. boats face other pressures including the cost of fuel, falling tuna prices and foreign fishing fees.
The tuna business was the third-largest industry in San Diego 50 years ago but has been in a decline.
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Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, http://www.utsandiego.com
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